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is decoded and encoded (cascaded), distortion (particularly noise) is introduced by the audio encoding technique using the very low number of bits available.
Dolby-E
AC-3 audio works very well as a distribution format because it has a very low bit rate and can allow multichannel audio to pass through dual-channel signal paths and storage devices. However, when it comes to
contribution-quality audio production, AC-3 has two significant weaknesses:
AC-3 was designed to provide the highest quality at the lowest bit rate. Cascading (more than one
encode/decode cycle) can result in loss of quality.
When AC-3 is decoded, the metadata is no longer available.
There are no splice points with video, resulting in disruption of audio during transitions.
In 1999, Dolby introduced Dolby E, which allows up to 8 channels of audio to be carried within an AES3
transport in accordance with SMPTE 337M. The most common channel configuration is 5.1 surround with
Lt/Rt stereo. It supports options such as 8 mono channels or 4 stereo channels as well.
Like AC-3, Dolby E is compatible with dual-channel signal paths and storage devices. Unlike AC-3, Dolby
E has a much higher bit rate (1.92Mb/s with 20-bit data) that allows several encode/decode cascades with
minimum distortion (approximately 10 cascades for 5.1 plus Lt/Rt). Dolby E can be used as a mezzanine
format for network distribution and in-house production of contribution audio content in the same way that
using a mezzanine level (usually around 45Mb/s) is used for HD-SDI video.
A major feature of Dolby E is that its metadata can be extracted from a Dolby E decoder onto an RS-485
bus. The metadata can either be modified or sent directly to a Dolby E (or AC-3) encoder where it is
encoded with discrete audio channels processed within the facility.
It is Mirandas philosophy to pass through Dolby E metadata as the original author intended. Miranda equipment does not alter Dolby E metadata.
Figure 1, next page, shows a Dolby E frame with its associated burst preamble and guard band.
1.
Meter
Guardband
Diagram courtesy
Dolby Laboratories
Audio Extension
Metadata Extension
Audio
Metadata
E Header
Bit Depth
Burts Preamble
Because AC-3 has no timing relationship with video, audio disruptions can occur during video transitions.
Figure 2 shows a cut between two video sources and their respective AC-3 audio frames. Notice the audio
gap that occurs as a result of the transition.
Figure 2. AC-3 Audio Gap
Transition
Video Frame
AC-3 Frame
Video Frame
Video Frame
AC-3 Frame
Video Frame
AC-3 Frame
Video Frame
Video Frame
AC-3 Frame
Video Frame
Diagram courtesy
Dolby Laboratories.
Video Frame
B
AC-3 Frame
AC-3 Frame
Video Frame
Video Frame
AC-3 Frame
Video Frame
AC-3 Frame
Video Frame
C
AC-3 Frame
AC-3 Frame
Gap
AC-3 Frame
AC-3 Frame
Dolby E solves the problem illustrated in Figure 2 (AC-3 audio gap) by creating a direct timing relationship
between Dolby E frames and interlaced video frame boundaries. It introduces exactly one video frame of
delay to the audio every time a Dolby E decode or encode occurs. When processing Dolby E, Miranda products introduce the necessary video delays to maintain the proper synchronization between video and audio at
all times. Figure 3 shows a cut between two interlaced video sources and their respective Dolby E audio
frames. There is no disruption in the audio because of the timing relationship between the interlaced video
and Dolby E frame boundaries.
Figure 3. No Audio Gap
Transition
Video Frame
Video Frame
Video Frame
Video Frame
Dolby E Frame
Dolby E Frame
Dolby E Frame
Dolby E Frame
Video Frame
Video Frame
Video Frame
Video Frame
Dolby E Frame
Dolby E Frame
Dolby E Frame
Dolby E Frame
Video Frame
Video Frame
Video Frame
Video Frame
Dolby E Frame
Dolby E Frame
Dolby E Frame
Dolby E Frame
Diagram courtesy
Dolby Laboratories.
Because progressive video formats, such as 720p, have a frame rate that is equivalent to interlaced field rate,
progressive video references should not be used with Dolby E. Dolby E requires an interlaced reference.
Dolby E and 720p video will work fine when a system is locked to an interlaced reference and the Dolby E
is properly synchronized with this reference.
Switching
Area
Field 1 (Odd)
512 513
525
10
13
14
AES3 Signal
Dolby E Reference Position
Dolby E Data
Diagram courtesy
Dolby Laboratories.
Switching
Area
Field 1 (Odd)
603 604
625
10
AES3 Signal
Figure 4 illustrates the timing relationship between composite references (PAL or NTSC) and the Dolby-E
guard bands (which do not have Dolby E content). With properly timed Dolby E content, all switch transitions occur within the guard band and outside of the Dolby E data, ensuring glitch-free switching.
Sometimes, even with embedded Dolby E, the guard band can be out of proper alignment. This can be corrected by the use of a Dolby E synchronizer such as the Synapse HES20 module.
Routing Products
Mirandas 5000, 7000 and 8000 series routers have undergone rigorous certification by Dolby Laboratories.
Miranda routers ensure glitch-free routing of properly synchronized Dolby E signals whether they are discrete AES or embedded in video.
Miranda routers switch discrete AES, Dolby E, and AC-3 on a pass-through basis. Glitch-free switching of
AC-3 cannot be ensured because of problems like the one illustrated in Figure 2.
Modular Products
Synapse products provide the most comprehensive selection of Dolby modules including the new Dolby
Digital Plus encoder. All Synapse modules allow hot swapping, making troubleshooting much easier. The
Synapse tray system is very space efficient and offers redundant power supplies, remote network control and
optional SNMP. See of these modules can be found in Appendix A of this document.
Master Control
Miranda was the first vendor to offer internal Dolby E decoding in a master control processor with the introduction of the NV5128-MC Master Control System in 2003. This system offers the unique capability of per4
forming transparent transitions between multi-format audio signals including analog, PCM, or Dolby E
sources. The NV5128-MC ensures proper lip sync relationships with associated video for all transitions.
Figure 5. Miranda Products
NVISION Routing
Distribution
Frame
Synchronizer
Backhaul
Satellite,
Microwave,
Network,etc.
Embedded
HD-SDI
Embedded
HD-SDI
Synapse
HES20
NV5128-MC
Discrete AES
Synchronous Dolby E
Internal
Dolby E
Decoder
Analog Audio
Discrete AES
Dolby E
Synchronizer
Backhaul
Satellite,
Microwave,
Network,etc.
Synapse
HFS
Series
NVISION Master
Control
Production Mix
Synapse DDES1
Dolby Digital
Encoder
AC-3 to ATSC
Decoder
(NV5000
Embedded
HD-SDI
NV7000
NV8000)
Embedded
HD-SDI
Synapse HDD10
Dolby-E Disembedder
and Frame Delay
SD/HD Video
Dolby E
Dolby E
Synapse
Bus
Lt/Rt
Synapse DBD08
Dolby Decoder
Dolby
Metadata
Synapse DBE08
Dolby Encoder
Synapse
Dolby E
Bus
Synapse DBD08
Dolby Decoder
Monitoring
Figure 5 illustrates Miranda products positioned in the production/post-production and master control workflows within a typical broadcast facility.
Starting on the left, backhaul sources are synchronized by the Synapse HFS series frame synchronizers that
pass embedded Dolby E transparently. The new Synapse HES20 corrects synchronization errors in embedded Dolby E coming from an IRD. The embedded outputs of these modules feed to Dolby-compatible
Miranda SD- or HD-SDI 5000 and 8000 series routers.
At the bottom center, an embedded audio source (in this case, Dolby E + Lt/Rt) feeds a Synapse HDD10
Dolby E disembedder that includes a video frame delay to preserve the correct video/audio timing relationship for Dolby E. The disembedded and delayed video is sent back to the 5000 or 8000 series router for
facility use. The HDD10 outputs are sent to the Synapse DBD08 Dolby E decoder via the unique internal
Synapse bus in the Synapse frame. The discrete 5.1 and Lt/Rt decoded outputs of the DBD08 feed an
Miranda 5000 or 7000 series AES router that supports both the production and master control areas in the
facility.
Discrete AES audio (in lip sync with its original video) feeds from the AES router for production and postproduction processing. Up to 8 channels of audio can then feed a Synapse DBE08 Dolby E encoder coupled
with Dolby metadata output from the Dolby decoder. The Dolby E output feeds back to the AES router
where it can be accessed anywhere in the facility. Another Dolby E output is sent to a Synapse DBD08
Dolby E decoder over the Synapse bus where it is used in a monitoring application.
At the top center, embedded, discrete AES, Dolby E, and analog audio feed the NV5128-MC Master Control
System. Here, with the use of an internal Dolby E decoder, Miranda has the unique capability of performing
transparent transitions between multi-format audio signals including analog, PCM, or other Dolby E sources
while maintaining proper lip sync with video.
In this example, discrete 5.1 surround channels derived from internally processed decoded Dolby E audio
are sent to a Synapse DDE51 Dolby Digital encoder with the Dolby metadata associated with the 5.1 audio.
The AC-3 output of the DDE51 is then sent to the facility transmission encoder.
Program
Embedded Dolby E
Video
XPT
Preset
Disembedder
Preset
Dolby E Status
(Program/Preset)
Program
Audio
XPT
Dolby E Decoder
Audio
XPT
Audio Processor
Audio Out
Preset
Program
Backup Audio
Preset
In this example, SD or HD video with embedded Dolby E enters the local video crosspoint matrix where it
reaches a disembedder. It sends the disembedded Dolby E to the local audio crosspoint matrix where it is
switched to a Dolby E decoder and a Dolby E detector.
The Dolby E detector is a critical element of the processor. When combined with proprietary Miranda algorithms, the detectors status output allows the processor to perform transparent Dolby E transitions, trigger
backup audio, and control Dolby metadata output.
In the main audio path, the Dolby E is decoded into discrete components (typically 5.1 + Lt/Rt) that are sent
to the local audio crosspoint matrix.
Miranda also provides a very powerful backup audio feature. Any Dolby E source can be configured with an
associated backup audio path that engages automatically when Dolby E is not present. The following case
study describes the use of this feature in more detail.
Finally, up to 8 channels of audio are switched from the local audio crosspoint matrix to the audio processor
where the final mixing is done.
AES 1 (Lt/Rt)
Linear
Acoustics
upMAX
Delay
3
Lf/Rf
AES 3 (Dolby E)
Dolby E Decoder
(DP572)
GPI
C/LFE
Ls/Rs
VO
Lf/Rf
C/LFE
Ls/Rs
Synthesized
Surround
Lf/Rf
Linear
Acoustics
OCTiMAX
C/LFE
Ls/Rs
4
3X
21 MUX
Lf/Rf
C/LFE
Ls/Rs
SAP/DVS
Natural
Surround
AES 2 (SAP/DVS)
Delay
5.1 Lf/Rf
HD-SDI
Input Module
HD-SDI
Input Module
5.1 C/LFE
5.1 Ls/Rs
(from UpMax)
Voice-Over
Inputs
AES
Input Module
Program Outputs
HD
MCPM
HD-SDI
HD-SDI
AES 1/2
Lt/Rt with VO
AES 3/4
5.1 Lf/Rf
AES 5/6
5.1 C/LFE
5.1 Ls/Rs
AES 7/8
SAP/DVS
5
NV5128
AES 3/4
Disembedder
AES 1/2
HDB20
5.1 Lf/Rf
UpMax
Conclusion
As a long-time Dolby partner, Miranda has always been an industry leader in implementing Dolby technology. Miranda is continuing this role with its current offering of routing, modular and master control technology that leverages Dolby technology to address the needs of todays DTV market.
Video Delay
(Matching
Dolby E
Decoder)
EQ
Proc-Amp
VI Inserter
Disembed
A
Disembed
B
Ch 1/2
Ch 3/4
Ch 5/6
Ch 7/8
Ch 5/6
EDH
Processing
Ch 3/4
Ch 1/2
Ch 7/8
Audio Outputs to
Synapse Bus
SRC
AES 3/4
Delay
SRC
Channel
Swap
Delay
SRC
Delay
Generator
AES 7/8
SRC
Dolby E
Output
AES/EBU
Transmitter
Aux
Output
Dolby
Digital
Encoder
Gain
Control
AES 5/6
AES/EBU
Transmitter
Delay
Channel 3/4
(Aux) Selection
Bypass
Delay
GPI (metadata)
Metadata
DARS
Gen.
PLL
Audio Outputs to
Synapse Bus
EQ
Proc-Amp
HD/SD-SDI Out,
with Embedded
Audio
HD/SD-SDI Out,
with Embedded
Audio
SD-SDI Out,
Reclocked
Disembed
A
Disembed
B
Delay
(080 ms)
Delay
(080ms)
A 1/2
AddOn A 1/2
A 3/4
B 1/2
AddOn A 3/4
AddOn B 1/2
10
B 3/4
AddOn B 3/4
EQ
Offset
Delay
Embedder
16 Ch
2 Ch
16 Ch
2 Ch
Proc-Amp
R / Cr / Y
Disembedder
Encoder
G / Y / CVBS
B / Cb / C
4 Ch
4 Ch
4 Ch
4 Ch
11
Offset
Delay
EQ
Embedder A
16 Ch
2 Ch
16 Ch
2 Ch
Embedder B
HD/SD-SDI Out,
with Embedded
Audio
HD/SD-SDI Out,
with Embedded
Audio
Proc-Amp
Disembedder
4 Ch
4 Ch
4 Ch
4 Ch
SD/HD-SDI Out,
Reclocked
Dolby E Encoder
The DBE08 is a fully compliant Dolby E encoder. Dolby E is designed to transport multi-channel audio (discrete 5.1 surround Dolby Digital) in a broadcast environment. The DBE08 encodes up to 8 channels of high
quality audio plus Dolby digital metadata to a single AES pair. All Dolby E encoders and decoders must
have either a direct reference video signal, or the information derived from a video reference signal. Dolby E
is a perfect method of recording up to 16 channels (languages, for example) on a 4-channel recorder such as
a Sony Digi-Beta.
Figure 14. DBE08
AES 1/2
SRC
AES 3/4
SRC
Delay
Delay
AES/EBU
Transmitter
Channel
Swap
Dolby E
Encoder
Gain
Control
AES 5/6
SRC
AES/EBU
Transmitter
Delay
Generator
AES 7/8
SRC
Dolby E
Output
Aux
Output
Delay
Channel 3/4
(Aux) Selection
Bypass
Delay
GPI (metadata)
Metadata
DARS
Gen.
PLL
12
Audio Outputs to
Synapse Bus
Video Delay
(Matching
Dolby E
Decoder)
EQ
Embedder
A
Embedder
B
Proc-Amp
VI Inserter
4 Ch
4 Ch
4 Ch
4 Ch
EDH
Processing
13
Offset
Delay
EQ
Embedder
A
Embedder
B
Frame Sync
Auto
Phaser
Pattern
Generator.
16 Ch
Disembedder
A
16 Ch
16 Ch
Disembedder
B
16 Ch
2 Ch
Dolby E
Guardband
Detection
Dolby E
Alignment
(0.51.5 Frame)
2 Ch
Dolby E
Guardband
Detection
Dolby E
Alignment
(0.51.5 Frame)
Dolby E
Guardband
Detection
Dolby E
Alignment
(0.51.5 Frame)
Dolby E
Guardband
Detection
Dolby E
Alignment
(0.51.5 Frame)
2 Ch
2 Ch
Auto
Reformat
PLL
Dolby E Decoder
The DBD08 is a fully compliant Dolby E decoder. Dolby E is designed to transport multi-channel audio
(discrete 5.1 surround Dolby Digital) in a broadcast environment. The DBD08 decodes up to 8 channels of
high-quality audio plus Dolby digital metadata from a single AES pair. Fundamental to the operation of
Dolby E is the synchronization with video frames. To provide an exact match between encoded Dolby E
audio frames and video frames, Dolby E requires synchronization to a video signal. All Dolby E encoders
and decoders must either have a direct reference video signal or derive the information from a video reference signal.
14
Dolby E
Decoder
AES 3/4
Channel
Swap
Gain
Control
AES 5/6
AES 7/8
2-Channel
Monitor
AddON E-Loss
1/2 1 3/4
Metadata
PLL
1/2 - 3/4
Split
Audio Outputs to
Synapse Bus
15